The Ultimate Guide to
Restaurants in La Jolla

La Jolla is a mecca for food lovers. From fine dining to high quality, casual cuisine, from award-winning seafood and prime steaks to chocolate croissants and street tacos, look forward to exceptional food in La Jolla.

Let our ultimate guide to La Jolla restaurants and cafes, sorted by genre and food category, be the guide to your next meal. For new and anticipated La Jolla restaurant openings head here.

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– This tucked-away little pub is a hidden gem in Whole Foods Market. It’s super casual and more of a ‘hang out and drink beer’ type place, which makes it perfect for a laidback dinner before a night out on the town.

Where to go for Sushi

– Located at La Jolla Shores with an outdoor dining option, perfect for an al fresco lunch or dinner. What to go for: Happy Hour! Happens Monday-Friday from 4pm-8pm, and gets you 20% off everything on the menu.

– Go for the views! Located on the second floor off of Prospect Street with a nice ocean view patio – great place to watch the sunset while enjoying great sushi and drinks. Stop by for happy hour 3-6:30pm everyday; enjoy $2 sake and $3-7 sushi rolls.

– Go for the unique spin on the classics! Their menu includes items like grilled octopus tostadas and mushroom tacos, and if you’re feeling adventureous try the avocado tostada topped with chapulines (grasshoppers).

– Looking for a more Tijuana street-style taco? Head to The Taco Stand on Pearl Street. Enjoy al pastor tacos served on freshly made corn tortillas plus some tasty sides like Mexican-style corn on the cob and fresh guacamole. This is a local favorite so expect a long line, but worth the wait.

– A beloved local favorite, this cute spot is known for its organic, fresh approach to food and its incredible outdoor patio. Expect to find everything from huevos rancheros to classic Bolognese pasta on their menu.

– For those who want a bit of French food but still want the option for something more traditional, this is the spot. Located inside La Valencia, this cozy restaurant offers everything from steak tartare to sandwiches and soup.

– This diner has been around since 1960, and has been a local favorite ever since. Their menu is classic, simple, and fresh – you can get everything from traditional pancakes to a hearty American breakfast.

Great Restaurants for Families

As a family with kids, you’re looking for a restaurant that offers kid-friendly entrées and atmosphere. You also seek a place where the setting and food is fun and flavorful for the adults. Find a selection of such restaurants right here in La Jolla.

Romantic Restaurants – Good Places for a Date in La Jolla

Foster a romantic atmosphere at one of these La Jolla restaurants; with carefully selected lighting, excellent service and optimum wine and champagne options, they cultivated the perfect setting for a special evening.

– An incredible experience unlike any other in La Jolla, the High Tide Breakfast treats you to incredible views of the surf coming right up to the windows while you dine.

Where to Grab Casual Cuisine – Food to Go

Sometimes we crave an upscale dining experience that’s enjoyed course-by-course. Other times, we are simply looking for good food that we can grab quick – perhaps to take on the road, bring to the beach or pack as a picnic.